Being an “adult” (I really use this term lightly) with two jobs has definitely taught me the importance of having a daily routine. Yet, here I am, still not really finding one that really works for me.

And I want that to change. After all, isn’t it like a known thing that successful people have routines? So yeah.

Why is a daily routine important?

When I think about a daily routine, I feel like it’s almost a fool proof way to never have to ask: “What should I be doing and when should I be doing it?”. This means there’s more time to get sh*t done. If you’re just constantly focusing your efforts on decision-making all day long, you’re never doing to get through those not-so-fun tasks on your to-do list. I have to admit, I do spend way too much time thinking about all of the things that need to get done for the day/week/month. It would definitely benefit to just get into a better routine so some tasks become habitual to me.

I think routines are overwhelming for me because I have two jobs that I need to worry about. Every single day at my 9-to-5 job is different, and I guess I never know how that will interfere with my routine. Ya know?

What I’m doing to get better at my daily routine

I’m by no means a morning person. I really enjoy my sleep, and tend to go to bed later (around 11:30-12AM). My mom said I’ve been like this forever – sleeping until the last possible second. The weird thing is: Once I’m up, I’m up. It’s not like I’m cranky or grouchy (usually). The physical act of getting out of bed is the hardest part for me.

SO HOW DO I MAKE IT BETTER?

The first step I’m taking is to be more specific. If I’m just saying to myself, “OK Dana you’re going to wake up earlier”, that’s probably not going to happen. I’m going to make an effort to wake up around 6:30AM, make some coffee, and get a head start on my inbox. And probably have The TODAY Show on because I love it. I want to jump start my mornings’ daily routine and hope this will allow for a productive day. I just have a feeling I’ll be able to get some more blog-related things done in the morning, and then I wouldn’t have to worry about it at work.

What I want my daily routine to look like

I love writing things down. So I took the time to write down an ideal routine for me and I’m going to test it out!

6:30AM – Wake up, have some personal time. Make coffee and take a look at my inbox.
9AM – Get into the office and go through my emails. I work with mainly overseas offices, so the time difference means I come into work with A LOT of emails to go through.
12PM – Lunch (this is probably the one consistent thing in my non-existent daily routine, ha). Check on any blog-related things: emails, social posts, etc.
6PM – Leave the office. Catch up on social media.
7:30*-10:30 – Schedule new post for the next day. Respond to comments for current day. Engage on social media.
10:30 – SLEEP*May be later depending on if I make it to the gym or not.

I also decided that Wednesday is going to be my mental break day. Since I don’t post on Thursdays, this will be a good opportunity for me to unplug for a bit. It’s nice not having to worry about making sure a blog post is all ready to go for the next day. I also tend to work a lot on the weekend (especially Saturday when I shoot), so this is technically my “day off”.

What does your daily routine currently look like? How do you stay on track? Let’s chat!

I really think waking up earlier is going to help with getting into a new routine that I’m comfortable with…and not forcing it.

Thanks so much! xx

The Adored Life

UM HI CAN WE DISCUSS THOSE SHOES?!?!?! Anyway, that was basically the discussion. But you are so right, a routine is great for EVERYONE and the moment I get off of mine, things instantly get so much worse for me and then I’m like wtf is wrong with you and then I realize, oh, you’ve decided to be lazy and not abide by your routine. I LOVE routine and well, basically this page is now faved for those days where I’m like nah.

How good are they? I think I’m going to buy the other color. They’re ridiculously comfortable, so I can’t resist.

I feel the same way, except I don’t have a routine, so I sometimes feel like I’m in shambles. I really think waking up earlier will help me get a good jump start on my day – so I’m looking forward to trying it out!

This is awesome. I completely agree that it is productive to have a routine. I’m currently trying to get better at following my own routine. Right now, it includes waking up, drinking tea, and stretching, then going to classes and after I usually do homework or take some time to blog! I’m also trying to read before bed which I’ve struggled a lot with because I’m SO attached to my computer, especially at night.

Hope you continue your great routine!

justgigi.com

Dana Mannarino

Oh yes, last night I put my phone away before falling asleep and I fell asleep so much faster! It really makes all the difference. I love that you have a good morning routine – definitely something I need to work on! xx

Cecilia Wood

I love having a routine! Because I’m a college student my routine is really dependent on what classes and club/sorority meetings I have for the day, but I’m trying to establish a more specific routine for each day too. I loved reading your routine + the pictures and outfit are so cute.

xoxo, Cecilia // sunnysidececilia.com

Dana Mannarino

Yes! In college, I really felt like I had my life together because everything was based on my class and work schedule. Thanks for stopping by lady! xx

I love your “alternative power suit” – ha! It’s so perfect for a networking event, etc! I love a good routine, although I’m learning to be more flexible and take each day as it comes. We’ll see how that goes! I’m glad you have a mental day off from social media/your blog so you can unwind! You are SUCH a hard worker, and a total inspiration 🙂

I am the exact same way when it comes to waking up! I’m in a good mood as soon as I get up, but it takes all I have to roll out of bed. I think the easiest way to change this is to give yourself something “rewarding” to do if you get up early. Sounds like coffee and The Today Show is that for you. Can’t wait to hear how this new routine goes!